Children Already Dying in Sudan’s Stricken Zamzam Camp: WFP
Khartoum, Sudan – February 28, 2025, 12:00 GMT – The World Food Programme (WFP) has issued a dire warning, stating that children are already dying in the Zamzam camp for displaced persons in North Darfur, Sudan, signaling a catastrophic escalation of the humanitarian crisis gripping the country. The report, released today, paints a grim picture of starvation, disease, and rampant insecurity that is pushing the camp, and potentially the entire Darfur region, to the brink of famine.
Zamzam camp, which has swelled with hundreds of thousands fleeing escalating conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) since the outbreak of hostilities in April 2023, is struggling to cope with the immense influx of displaced people. The WFP report highlights that the situation has deteriorated rapidly in recent months, with access to food, clean water, and healthcare becoming increasingly scarce.
“We are witnessing a tragedy unfold in Zamzam camp,” stated WFP Sudan Country Director, Michael Dunford, in a press release. “Children are dying from malnutrition-related illnesses, and the situation is deteriorating faster than we can respond. The international community must act now to prevent a full-blown famine.”
Key findings of the WFP report include:
- Alarming Malnutrition Rates: The report indicates that acute malnutrition rates among children under five in Zamzam camp have reached crisis levels, exceeding the emergency threshold established by the World Health Organization (WHO). Specific figures were not immediately available, but the WFP emphasized that they represent a significant increase compared to previous assessments.
- Lack of Access to Food and Water: Humanitarian access to the camp remains severely restricted due to ongoing fighting, insecurity, and bureaucratic hurdles imposed by both sides of the conflict. This has hampered efforts to deliver desperately needed food and clean water supplies. Many residents are relying on increasingly contaminated water sources, leading to outbreaks of waterborne diseases.
- Disease Outbreaks: The combination of malnutrition, poor sanitation, and limited access to healthcare has created a breeding ground for infectious diseases, including cholera, measles, and dysentery. These outbreaks are disproportionately affecting children, who are already weakened by hunger.
- Insecurity and Violence: The report also underscores the pervasive insecurity within and around the camp. Residents face the constant threat of violence, including sexual and gender-based violence, and looting. This further disrupts access to essential services and prevents people from seeking assistance.
- Impending Famine: The WFP warns that without a significant and immediate increase in humanitarian assistance, Zamzam camp, and potentially other parts of Darfur, face the imminent risk of famine. The rainy season, which is expected to begin in the coming months, will further complicate humanitarian operations and exacerbate the already dire conditions.
Factors Contributing to the Crisis:
The crisis in Zamzam camp is a direct consequence of the ongoing conflict in Sudan, which has displaced millions of people and disrupted agricultural production. The fighting has also severely damaged infrastructure, including hospitals, schools, and water systems. Furthermore, the humanitarian response has been hampered by:
- Restricted Access: Both the SAF and RSF have been accused of obstructing humanitarian access to conflict-affected areas.
- Funding Shortfalls: The international humanitarian response to the Sudan crisis has been chronically underfunded, leaving aid agencies struggling to meet the immense needs of the displaced population.
- Bureaucratic Impediments: Red tape and bureaucratic hurdles imposed by the Sudanese government have further delayed the delivery of aid.
Call for Action:
The WFP is urging all parties to the conflict to immediately cease hostilities and allow unimpeded humanitarian access to all affected areas. The agency is also calling on the international community to:
- Increase Funding: Provide immediate and substantial funding to support the humanitarian response in Sudan.
- Pressure Parties to the Conflict: Exert pressure on the SAF and RSF to respect international humanitarian law and allow humanitarian organizations to operate freely.
- Support Local Organizations: Strengthen the capacity of local organizations to deliver aid and provide essential services.
- Monitor and Report: Enhance monitoring and reporting on the humanitarian situation in Sudan to ensure that aid is reaching those who need it most.
The situation in Zamzam camp serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of the conflict in Sudan. Without swift and decisive action, the humanitarian crisis is likely to worsen, leading to further loss of life and widespread suffering. The international community must act now to avert a catastrophe.
Relevant Background Information:
- Conflict in Sudan: The conflict in Sudan erupted in April 2023 between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The conflict has displaced millions of people, both internally and to neighboring countries.
- Darfur Region: Darfur, located in western Sudan, has been plagued by conflict and instability for decades. The region is home to millions of displaced people.
- Humanitarian Situation in Sudan: The humanitarian situation in Sudan is dire, with millions of people in need of assistance. The UN estimates that over half of the country’s population will require humanitarian aid in 2025.
- Role of WFP: The World Food Programme (WFP) is the leading humanitarian organization saving lives and changing lives, delivering food assistance in emergencies and working with communities to improve nutrition and build resilience.
- Previous Warnings: Humanitarian organizations have repeatedly warned about the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Sudan and the risk of famine.
This report will be updated as further information becomes available.
Children already dying in Sudan’s stricken Zamzam camp: WFP
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